Apr 29, 2015

Throughout
the week make a quick sketch of what I am wearing on that particular
day, either as a warm-up or just to keep me loose if I don't have a lot
of time to draw. These drawings are then scanned and posted on my blog
every Wednesday. Again, nothing finished or professional, but something that I have fun with. Hope you enjoy!

Last week I went to the zoo with my husband's photography class and it was overcast and rainy for the majority of the trip. Thanks to my mamma's raincoat, I managed to stay nice and dry and I am now on the hunt for my own, because it was perfect. And colorful. And made by Calvin.
If I ever get a spare moment to edit the photos I'll try to share a few here for you—it was a pretty good day for photography (when it wasn't wet) because it was cool so the animals were out, and not too sunny.

Like what you see? Get your own custom, illustrative portrait for your home or blog here!

Apr 26, 2015

Bringing a little bit of glam to the shop with this Graduation Announcement for the class of 2015.
It's hard to believe (but surprisingly easy when I'm in the classroom, funny how that works) that this academic year is coming to a close.

One of my College-age siblings is done, the other has 3 more weeks and I can already smell the sweet fragrance of freedom summer. While people like to put teachers down for having the summers off, without that rest (and we still work during the majority of it) we wouldn't be able to come back and do it again each year. And I am ready!

Anyway, enough about that—back to the graduates! A new journey is starting, and so very exciting for all involved. I loved my time at the Arborshire during my own undergrad and I am excited for all of those who are about to start their own adventures, though I am sorry to see some of our students leave.
Bittersweet, as many things are.

Apr 24, 2015

1. Probably the most exciting is the fact that I have completed a large portion of my Etsy re-brand! Blushed Designs is now on facebook, pinterest, instagram and twitter—and will eventually take over the majority of my website (though the blog will remain rather diverse, no worries there ;) )
Very excited to be adding some other event papers (can you say graduation parties??) to the shop as well in the near future.Check it out!!!

2. The Zoo
Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to tag along with my hubby and sis-in-law during their class trips to the zoo (they're both teachers). We had a blast photographing the animals and hanging out. Not a bad Monday

3. Custom Portraits
I've had a few fun bridal drawings on my hands lately, but I am super excited to be able to illustrate one of my very favorite couples within the next week or so!

4. KidSnippets
Admittably, it took me a while to get into these videos, but now they are definitely a go to. They're also safe to show my students if I find something particularly hilarious—today, we watched "Art Class" and it was a hit ;)

5. I listened in to this webinar led by Heidi while I was making dinner the other night (yummy + easy = love), and I found it very helpful and encouraging! She hit on quite a few things that I was thinking over myself and I am excited to implement some of the tips and tricks that I was able to pick up. If you're a business owner/blog for profit, I highly recommend checking it out :)

Apr 22, 2015

Throughout
the week make a quick sketch of what I am wearing on that particular
day, either as a warm-up or just to keep me loose if I don't have a lot
of time to draw. These drawings are then scanned and posted on my blog
every Wednesday. Again, nothing finished or professional, but something that I have fun with. Hope you enjoy!

Sorry about being MIA last week! After being sick the entire week before... I didn't have any outfits—cuz sick-girl pajamas and hair are not cute!
But I'm back this week to show off my new boat neck top! It's nothing too fancy, but it's one of those basic shirts with a little something extra—I love the buttons down the side and the boat neck (something different from my v-necks every day of my life... including: right now!). Was a steal from TJ-of-the-Maxx and I can't wait to get some real good use out of it.

Like what you see? Get your own custom, illustrative portrait for your home or blog here!

Apr 20, 2015

Not every one of my designs makes it very far past the "drawing board" (and many don't even get past that point), and this is one of them. I really liked this design at first, but I can see that it's not quite "there" yet.
A call for votes on my instagram page about a week ago confirmed my suspicions when this piece didn't get ONE vote!
So it's back to the drawing board with this design! I like where it's going, but it's just not finished yet. Stay tuned to see the coming transformation :)

Apr 17, 2015

A couple of years ago, I was asked to redesign the logo and website of the Spring Arbor University Art Department. I really enjoyed the typographic play and the positive/negative space that is at work in this piece and was thrilled when the profs liked it enough to use it as the "official" logo for the department.
After designing a logo that all of the professors could like/agree on (not an easy task, I assure you), I collected images and prepared to create the website. Despite the fact that I was able to finish it before graduation, the communication/pr group at SAU were not as excited about it as we were and decided not to publish it. They did, however, take the photos that I collected and use them in the current site, so I feel a little more justified in that (especially because a number of my own pieces in the collection)

And the website was on display at my senior art show in 2012, so that was a bonus in and of itself I suppose.

Apr 13, 2015

Another stationery style that is decorating the shop, instagram and life.

This envelope liner just takes the cake, doesn't it??

I just love the versatility of this design. Not only in terms of color schemes (and let me tell you, there are quite a few... I know because I spent a lot of time playing with it!), but also the different wedding styles that it would compliment. While I originally designed this one around some "boho" inspiration (details lower down), I have since seen so many other inspiration shoots that this would work with!

And HELLO! The dark background? I might even like this better than the original? Still deciding...
What do you think?